Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Advanced Aquaculture and Sustainable Production
Prepares you to lead the future of the aquaculture industry, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Learn to optimize production processes, from the genetics and nutrition of aquatic species to environmental management and…
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Advanced Aquaculture and Sustainable Production?
The Master's in Advanced Aquaculture and Sustainable Production
Prepares you to lead the future of the aquaculture industry, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Learn to optimize production processes, from the genetics and nutrition of aquatic species to environmental management and health control. Acquire the skills necessary to implement cutting-edge technologies and develop responsible production strategies that minimize environmental impact and maximize profitability.
Differentiating Advantages
- Comprehensive Approach: Addresses all key aspects of modern aquaculture, from biology to economics.
- Sustainability at the Core: Learn to implement environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.
- Innovative Technologies: Master the latest tools and techniques to optimize production.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analyze success stories and challenges in the global aquaculture industry.
- Professional Networking: Connect with industry experts and leaders to boost your career.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Master the most innovative techniques for responsible and environmentally friendly production.
- Nutrition and Feeding: Learn to optimize the feeding of aquatic species for healthy and efficient growth.
- Water Quality Management: Control the crucial parameters for a balanced and productive aquatic ecosystem.
- Aquaculture Health: Identify and prevent diseases by applying biosecurity and health control strategies.
- Innovation and Technology: Explore the latest technologies and tools for the aquaculture of the future, from genetics to automation.
- Boost your career with a master's degree that prepares you to lead the aquaculture of the future.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Innovation in aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS) for resource optimisation and environmental impact minimisation
- Advanced Basics of Aquaculture Recirculation Systems (RAS): Components, Hydraulic Configuration and Mass Balances
- Water treatment technologies: biofiltration, ozonation, ultrafiltration and disinfection with UV for improvement in quality and stability
- Design and optimisation of RAS from sustainable engineering: computational modelling, automation implementation and intelligent control
- Integrated waste management: techniques for reduction, treatment and reuse of solids, nitrogen and phosphorus in closed systems
- Advanced monitoring and real-time sensors: critical parametres, predictive algorithms and digital platforms for optimal control
- Minimization of environmental impact by assessing the life cycle, water footprint and reduction of emissions of polluting gases and effluents
- RAS adaptations and scalability for species with different physiological requirements and productive stages
- Innovations in materials and biosecurity: selection of resistant components, prevention of diseases and sanitation protocols
- Case studies and comparative analysis of RAS systems implemented globally with an emphasis on sustainability and profitability
- International regulations, certifications and environmental standards applicable to recirculating systems and sustainable aquaculture production
02
Design, management and automation of integrated systems for high-efficiency sustainable aquaculture production
- Fundamentals of the design of integrated aquaculture systems: flow analysis, interconnection of subsystems and critical parametres for productive efficiency.
- Advanced models of applied environmental management: bioindicators, impact assessment and predictive tools for sustainability in intensive aquaculture systems.
- Automation and process control: Implementation of PLCs, SCADA and IoT systems for real-time monitoring of water quality, food and clinical parametres.
- Design and optimisation of closed hydraulic circuits: recirculation, biological and mechanical filtration, minimisation of energy consumption and recovery of water resources.
- Integration of advanced sensory technologies: Optical, electrochemical and ultrasonic sensors for continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen, nutrients, pH and organic compounds.
- Data Management and Big Data Strategies: Database Architecture, Predictive Analysis, and Strategic Decision Making Based on Artificial Intelligence to improve survival and growth rates.
- Planning and execution of automated feeding systems: Adaptive algorithms for efficient food dosing based on biomass and behaviour of cultivated species.
- International regulations and environmental certifications: Compliance with ISO, MARPOL and FAO guidelines for sustainable aquaculture production and comprehensive traceability.
- Economic and financial evaluation: Cost-benefit analysis, return on investment and strategies for reducing operating costs through technological innovation and sustainable practices.
- Pilot cases and advanced simulations: design of virtual integrated systems prototypes, resolution of technical problems and application of Lean Aquaculture methodologies to maximise production.
03
Innovation and optimisation in aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS): Strategies for sustainability and efficiency Finished in automation and design of integrated systems
- Fundamentals of aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS): Definition, key components and applied physical and biological principles.
- Dynamics and control of environmental parametres: Advanced water quality management including dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH and temperature.
- Design and selection of biofilters: typologies, microbiological mechanisms, rate of elimination of nitrogenous compounds and optimisation for different aquaculture species.
- RAS automation: SCADA systems, smart sensor integration, real-time control, and predictive algorithms for the efficient management of critical variables.
- Hydraulic modelling and turbulentological flow for system optimisation: energy balance, reduction of dead zones and maximisation of gas exchange.
- Advanced waste management strategies and solid filtration systems: emerging technologies in separation, compaction and reuse of organic material.
- Implementation of renewable energies and green technology to reduce environmental and operational impact: life cycle assessment and carbon footprint analysis.
- Integration of modular design and scalability in RAS for commercial production: planning criteria, adaptability and continuous improvement.
- Biosafety protocols and health prevention in closed systems: early diagnosis, automated disinfection and control of specific pathogens.
- Optimisation of growth and animal welfare through automated photoperiod control, water flow and intelligent feeding.
04
Biotechnology, nutrition, health and biosecurity in aquaculture: circular economy, traceability and marketing for sustainable production and high profitability
- Advanced Fundamentals of Biotechnology Applied to Aquaculture: Genetic Engineering, Genomic Edition (CRISPR/CAS9), and its impact on the improvement of aquatic species.
- Comprehensive nutrition for aquatic organisms: Formulation of balanced diets using alternative and sustainable ingredients, amino acid profile analysis and essential lipids for optimal growth and health.
- Intestinal microbiota and its modulation by probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics to increase food efficiency and resistance against pathogens.
- Advanced biosecurity strategies in aquaculture systems: early diagnosis of diseases, quarantine protocols, management of pathogenic vectors and validation bioassays.
- Emerging diseases and health management: molecular identification of infectious agents, resistance to antimicrobials and rational use of alternative therapies.
- Principles and application of the circular economy in aquaculture: Valorization of organic waste, anaerobic digestion, nutrient recycling and water efficiency through recirculation systems (RAS).
- Comprehensive traceability in the aquaculture value chain: digital registration systems, blockchain and IoT sensors to guarantee the transparency, safety and quality of the product.
- Innovative marketing models for sustainable aquaculture products: international certifications (ASC, GlobalGap), green marketing and access to premium markets.
- Economic and financial analysis of sustainable aquaculture projects: investment return assessment, environmental and social risk management, and green financing strategies.
- Pilot case studies on integration of biotechnology, optimised nutrition and advanced biosecurity to maximise profitability and minimise environmental impact in different production systems (tanks, floating cages, aquaponics).
05
Integrated environmental management and biosecurity strategies for sustainable development in high productivity aquaculture systems
- Fundamentals of environmental management in aquaculture: international principles, regulations and national regulatory frameworks applicable to modern aquaculture systems.
- Comprehensive environmental evaluation and monitoring: Advanced techniques for the analysis of water quality, sedimentation, biodiversity and polluting load in aquatic ecosystems.
- Design and application of adaptive environmental management plans for high-density aquaculture production systems.
- Biosafety in aquaculture: identification, analysis and control of microbiological, parasitic and viral risks in aquaculture farms.
- Advanced protocols for the prevention and eradication of infectious diseases: implementation of physical and chemical barriers, quarantine, and integrated health management.
- Use of emerging technologies: environmental sensor systems, biofilters, closed recirculation (RAS) and automation to improve sustainability and minimise environmental impact.
- Predictive models for the management of environmental and health risk factors through artificial intelligence and big data applied to aquaculture systems.
- Optimisation of water and energy resources through eco-efficient practices, recirculation systems and renewable energy in intensive aquaculture.
- Integrated management of solid and liquid waste: treatment, reuse and minimisation of effluent in aquaculture production centres.
- Evaluation of Strategic Environmental Impact (EIA), social and economic in aquaculture projects with high productivity and its link with sustainability.
06
Innovation in aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS): Resource optimisation, sustainability and reduction of environmental impact
- Design and advanced architecture of RAS systems: key components, modular configuration and scalability for different aquatic species
- Water recycling optimisation: Biological biofiltration techniques, advanced mechanical filtration, and chemical and physical disinfection to maximise quality and reuse
- Implementation of real-time monitored systems: critical parameter sensors (dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrites, pH, temperature) integrated with IoT platforms and artificial intelligence algorithms
- Energy sustainability: use of renewable energy, energy efficiency in pumps and aeration systems, and strategies for reducing operating costs with clean energy
- Advanced waste and effluent management: innovative techniques for the reduction, treatment and recovery of solid and liquid waste within the closed cycle
- Sanitary control and disease prevention: biosecurity systems in RAS, integrated management of pathogens, and vaccination programmes and microbiological monitoring
- Computational modelling and simulation for system design optimisation, flow dynamics, nutrient distribution and continuous improvement of the aquatic environment
- Sustainable production strategies: integration of RAS with acuapopia, multi-trophic cultivation techniques and evaluation of the environmental life cycle (LCA) of the production system
- Automation and digital governance: Implementation of management software for stock control, automated feeding, and digital value chain traceability
- Study and application of international regulations and specific environmental certifications for RAS systems, such as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and carbon neutrality protocols in aquaculture
07
Innovation, automation and integrated management of RAS systems for sustainability and high efficiency in aquaculture production
- Advanced Fundamentals of RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) Systems: Hydrodynamic design, biofiltration and microbiological management
- Innovative technologies in aquaculture automation: state-of-the-art sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to real-time monitoring
- Integration of automated systems for optimal control of critical parametres: dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, ammonia and suspended solids
- Predictive models for the optimisation of energy consumption and reduction of carbon footprint in RAS installations
- Advanced integrated management strategies: Automatic feed synchronisation, water quality, and digitized biosecurity
- Implementation of digital twins for simulation and continuous improvement of aquaculture production processes
- Predictive maintenance protocols based on data analysis and early detection of failures in hydraulic and electrical systems
- Water flow optimisation and renewal by intelligent control and adaptive actuators to maximise efficiency in the production cycle
- Dimensioning and selection of automated equipment with criteria of sustainability, energy efficiency and durability in aquatic environments
- Integration of renewable energies and energy self-sufficiency strategies in high-density RAS systems
08
Technological advances in automated monitoring and control for the optimisation of water quality in sustainable aquaculture systems
- Fundamentals of water quality in aquaculture systems: physical-chemical parametres and their influence on the health of aquatic organisms
- Advanced sensors for real-time monitoring: optical, electrochemical and bio-sensory technologies applied to continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, nitrates and ammonia
- Design and implementation of automated environmental control systems: integration of hardware and software for temperature regulation, oxygenation and renewal of water
- Predictive models and artificial intelligence algorithms for anticipating changes in water quality and autonomous decision-making in aquaculture systems
- Calibration protocols, validation and preventive maintenance of technological equipment to ensure precision and reliability in continuous monitoring
- Wireless sensor networks (WSN) and IoT communication: architecture, protocols and security for efficient and secure data transmission on remote systems
- Applications of automated control in aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS): optimisation of energy consumption and waste reduction
- Impact of automated systems on productive sustainability: water and carbon footprint reduction analysis using advanced monitoring technologies
- PILOTS Implementation of intelligent systems in fish farms and high-density maricultures: results, challenges and best practices
- Future perspectives and disruptive trends in monitoring and control technologies for sustainable aquaculture: nanotechnology, hybrid systems and big data platforms
09
Technological innovation and automation in RAS systems for resource optimisation and environmental sustainability
- Fundamentals of aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS): Key components, modular configuration and hydrodynamic principles
- Technological innovation: intelligent sensors for real-time monitoring of physicochemical and biological parametres
- Advanced automation: integration of PLCs, SCADA and IoT systems for water quality control and animal welfare
- Dissolved oxygen optimisation and efficient biofilter management to maximise production performance and minimise toxicity
- Automated feeding systems: control of time, dose and distribution to avoid overfeeding and contamination of water
- Predictive models and big data analysis in aquaculture to anticipate critical events and adjust production strategies
- Reduction of energy consumption through variable pumping technologies and energy recovery in closed circuits
- Integrated waste and effluent management: automated biological treatments and reuse of water in RAS systems
- Environmental impact and sustainability: evaluation and certification of automated aquaculture systems to minimise ecological footprint
- Case studies and practical application: Implementation of disruptive technologies in commercial RAS facilities and their effect on productive indicators
10
Aquaculture marketing, markets and business management
- World aquaculture markets
- value chain and distribution
- Quality, brands and certifications (ASC, GLOBALG.A.P.)
- Product labelling and traceability
- Production costs and profitability
- Financing of aquaculture projects
- Aquaculture insurance
- Administrative concessions and licences
- Social acceptance and communication
- aquaculture business plan
11
Master’s Final Project in Advanced Aquaculture and Sustainable Production
- Conceptual framework and current perspectives of advanced aquaculture: global trends, challenges and technological opportunities
- Design and optimisation of integrated aquaculture systems: computational modelling, compatible species selection and nutrient flow
- Implementation of IoT sensor technologies for real-time monitoring: physicochemical, biological and environmental parametres
- Intelligent automation and control in power systems and water quality through IoT and Machine Learning
- Application of modern biotechnologies for genetic improvement and animal health: CRISPR, gene edition, vaccines and probiotics
- Sustainable management of water and energy resources: recirculation systems, energy recovery and waste minimisation
- Advanced evaluation of environmental impact and mitigation strategies through eco-physiological models and life cycle analysis (LCA)
- Integration of renewable energies in aquaculture: solar, wind and hybrid systems to optimise energy efficiency
- Economic and financial models for sustainable profitability: analysis of costs, risks and returns under ESG criteria
- Design, development and presentation of the Master’s Final Project: Applied research methodologies, technical writing and oral defence with advanced visual support
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Marine biologists and veterinarians seeking to specialize in intensive and extensive aquaculture, understanding the complete production cycle.Agricultural and food engineers interested in process optimization, aquaculture facility design, and product quality management.Production managers and farm technicians wishing to update their knowledge of new technologies, animal welfare, and sustainabl
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize and manage aquaculture operations in a profitable and environmentally responsible manner
- 02Develop and implement innovative strategies for genetic improvement and nutrition in aquaculture
- 03Design and implement efficient water recirculation and treatment systems for aquaculture
- 04Leading research and development projects in aquaculture to promote sustainability and innovation
- 05Assess and mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with intensive aquaculture
- 06Understand and apply current regulations on aquaculture and sustainability
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Aquaculture Farm Manager: Production optimization, resource and personnel management, implementation of quality systems.
03Aquaculture Production Technician: Supervision of cultivation phases, control of environmental parameters, feeding and health of organisms.
04Sustainable Aquaculture Consultant: Technical and economic advice for improving the sustainability of farms, design of new projects.
05Researcher in Aquaculture Research Centers: Development of new cultivation techniques, genetic improvement, study of diseases and nutrition of aquatic organisms.
06Quality Control Technician in Aquaculture Processing Industries: Analysis of product quality, implementation of HACCP systems, traceability control.
07R&D Manager in companies in the sector Aquaculture: New product development, process improvement, and the search for innovative solutions.
08Public Administration Technician (Aquaculture): Management of permits and authorizations, health control, and support for research and development in the sector.
09Aquaculture Trainer: Delivery of courses and seminars, staff training, and dissemination of aquaculture knowledge.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Aquaculture sector.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
It focuses on modern and sustainable methods, including advanced and environmentally friendly production.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Biology, Marine Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Engineering or related field; or accredited professional experience in the aquaculture sector.Language proficiency:B1 level of English recommended for understanding scientific and technical material.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, academic transcript, ID/Passport, cover letter.Technical requirements (for online):Computer with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, software for viewing documents and participating in forums.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.